Lunchtime Live: Deliberate Unity

Continue reading “Lunchtime Live: Deliberate Unity”

Choose to Be a Luminary

Matthew 5:16 (TPT) So don’t hide your light!  Let it shine brightly before others, so that the commendable things you do will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.”

Having spent nearly a decade and a half in ministry, one of the travesties I’ve seen over and over is people believing they are less than they are. When I look at them, I see a lion, but when they look in the mirror they believe they’re seeing just a kitten – powerless and ineffectual. I’m not sure why we all seem to have an inclination to believe the worst of ourselves and the the truth is hard to receive, but it seems to be the case.

And yet in truth though we may believe the worst, on some level we HOPE that we are wrong. We HOPE that we truly are powerful and able to make a difference. What we fear is failing in that capacity. So we unconsciously come into agreement with the lies we’ve been told about ourselves (or had reflected to us), and decide to live smaller than our call. Thinking somehow this is safer. And yet, doing so leaves us feeling unfulfilled and robs the world of the blessing we are meant to be. Continue reading “Choose to Be a Luminary”

Reflect Me

John 5:19 (TPT) So Jesus said, “I speak to you timeless truth. The Son is not able to do anything from himself or through my own initiative. I only do the works that I see the Father doing, for the Son does the same works as his Father.

Beloved, I lead by example. I AM long-suffering and rich in mercy. Therefore, you should be long-suffering and rich in mercy. My love is unconditional. Therefore, you should love unconditionally. I AM righteous and holy. Therefore, you should strive to be righteous and holy. 

I ask nothing of you that I have not walked out Myself. Therefore, reflect Me with joy and trust Me to guide your path. I will whisper to you “this is the way, walk ye in it,” and you will respond without delay. Hold nothing back, and reflect Me. Continue reading “Reflect Me”

Sweet Essence of Joy

Romans 15:13 (VOICE) I pray that God, the source of all hope, will infuse your lives with an abundance of joy and peace in the midst of your faith so that your hope will overflow through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Beloved, just as you would use an extract to infuse a baked good with flavor, so you should allow the sweet essence of joy to infuse your life. Let its pleasant and pervasive flavor penetrate every aspect of your world. Allow it to color how you see and respond – let it guide your choices and actions. 

Just as when baked goods are shared with others that they are blessed by the sweet flavors, so your life and outlook will bless those around you. You will bring sweet joy to their lives and stir up hope for their own. So surrender to joy, beloved, and watch how it changes not only you, but the world around you.

True Fulfillment

Proverbs 25:14 (VOICE) Like clouds and wind that bring no rain, so is one who boasts of gifts promised but never delivered.

Beloved, be known as a person of your word. Resist the urge to indulge in the rush of joy that giving a happy promise brings, and simply do what you are led to do. Do it without fanfare or a desire for praise. Simply do it because it’s what is right and good. 

The heady feel of the praise of men can quickly become an addiction which enslaves you. Resist being drawn in. Instead focus on walking in integrity and following My leadings. For that is where true fulfillment is found.

Avoid Fruitless Arguments

Romans 12:18 (GW) As much as it is possible, live in peace with everyone.

Beloved, refuse to be drawn into fruitless arguments. They achieve no purpose but to create division and disunity. There will be moments to make a stand, but most moments are more fruitful when handled with humility and grace. 

Love changes a heart far more effectively than the strongest argument, and it does so with peace. So first and foremost, interact with others from a place of love. In humility, seek to hear their hearts and respond with grace. Create an atmosphere of harmony, and from that base of relationship, deeper conversation can take place. 

Be Moved by Gratitude

Ephesians 5:10 (AMP) trying to learn [by experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [and letting your lifestyles be examples of what is most acceptable to Him–your behavior expressing gratitude to God for your salvation].

Beloved, one who is moved with true gratitude acts accordingly. Gratitude shifts your heart. It demands action. It moves you. One who gives lip service to thanksgiving but who’s actions and heart remain the same is not truly grateful. 

So check your heart, beloved. If you are truly moved with gratitude by My salvation and My love, how has it changed you and how are you reflecting that change to Me? 

Let your gratitude overflow in a life spent giving glory and honor to Me. Knowing how to please Me is no great mystery, for I’ve made My heart plain in My Word. So know Me and know My heart, and offer up thanksgiving in a life filled with obedience and praise from a joyful, grateful heart. Continue reading “Be Moved by Gratitude”

Live Honestly and in Harmony

Malachi 2:6 (VOICE) He spoke the law of truth, and falsehood was not found on his lips. In peace and justice he walked with Me, and he turned many from iniquity by his words and example;

Beloved, resist the urge to compromise your integrity. There is no such thing as a small lie. Even what appears as minor and innocuous opens doors in the spiritual realm and shifts things in the natural. 

Be known as a person of character. Be someone who resists falsehood, and who loves justice and peace. Lead by example, beloved. Be steadfast, and live in honesty and harmony.  Continue reading “Live Honestly and in Harmony”

Change Lives as You Lead

Malachi 2:6 (GW) The teaching that came from his mouth was true. Nothing unjust was found on his lips. He lived with me in peace and honesty and turned many people away from sin.

Beloved, let injustice be so far from your character that you are known as a lover of truth and righteousness. Show those around you what a life in Me looks like. Be honest and transparent. Resist sinful tendencies. I AM your strength. 

Walk with Me. Lead by example. Let your actions speak loudly while your words are those of truth, love, and encouragement. Resist the urge to be self-righteous or condemn those around you. Walk in truth, and change lives as you lead. 

The Ripple Effect

Matthew 5:16 (VOICE) You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me , and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it .

Beloved, cultivate the light and life within you. Resist the urge to do anything that dims or besmirches. Operate in a high level of integrity. Resist self-righteousness and judgment. Be transparent and lead by example. 

Walk in a way that honors Me and brings Me glory. Others will be challenged and changed simply by seeing how you live. So live in steadfast devotion to Me, and watch the ripple effect that faithful adoration has on yourself and those around you.